This was a hot vintage with above-average temperatures that extended throughout the growing season, starting in the spring and lasting well until September. Indeed, the 2011 Boca saw fruit harvested much earlier than average, on October 2nd. Christoph Künzli admits that he has never been particularly partial to this edition of his top-shelf Nebbiolo and Vespolina blend. Candied fruit aromas of cherry cough drop and tarry plum open the bouquet, eventually ceding to dry spice, powdered mocha and dusty chocolate shavings. The primary fruit has faded, and there is a lingering spot of ripe sweetness on the finish. - Monica Larner